Ten of Kansas City’s top area high school singers compete for the title of KC SuperStar 2023 at the event’s finals on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., in Yardley Hall at Johnson County Community College.
Now in its 14th year, KC SuperStar is Kansas City’s premiere high school singing competition in the style of “American Idol” or “The Voice.” KC SuperStar is produced by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (The J). The finalists, who come from nine different schools across the metro, are rehearsing for a show on Aug. 27 that includes both solo and group numbers.
“I am thrilled for this year’s event,” said Robin Levine, development and events manager at The J. “These incredibly gifted high school students are going to illuminate the stage with their talent and passion. We are so lucky to have the incredible Heidi Gardner as our celebrity host and performer. It is going to be an unforgettable evening.”
Heidi Gardner, a Kansas City native and cast member on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” will be the celebrity host and performer for the KC SuperStar finals. Former television news anchor Abby Eden will emcee the evening.
Judging this year’s finals are entertainment industry professionals Millie Edwards, Richard McCroskey and Tina Maddigan Mayer. They will narrow the field down to four contestants before the audience makes the final decision.
KC SuperStar 2023 awards over $22,000 in scholarships to the top 10 singers. The ultimate winner of KC SuperStar will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Other singers will be awarded scholarships for second place ($5,000), third place ($2,500) and fourth place ($1,000); all other finalists receive financial scholarships.
KC SuperStar is The J’s annual fundraiser. Proceeds from KC SuperStar, its largest event of the year, have provided resources for individuals and families in our community providing transportation, meals, education, camp, and wellness programs. The J will continue to share a portion of KC SuperStar proceeds with the Reat Griffin Underwood Rising Stars Fund. Thanks to the community’s generosity, The J has been able to provide $550,000 in financial aid in 2022.
A few tickets will be available for sale the day of the show. More information about KC SuperStar is available at kcsuperstar.org and facebook.com/groups/kcsuperstar.
KC SuperStar 2023 Semifinalists:
- Faryn Clevenger (Shawnee Mission West junior)
- Brianna Frohning (Olathe East High School sophomore)
- Jenna Holland (Oak Park High School junior, past semifinalist)
- Alexyus Johnson (Oak Park High School graduated senior, past finalist)
- Dylan Markey (The Barstow School junior, past semifinalist)
- Janelle Marshall (Blue Springs High School sophomore)
- Brett Oplotnik (Blue Valley Northwest graduated senior, past finalist)
- Daysia Reneau (Leavenworth Senior High School graduated senior)
- Robin Robles (Christ Preparatory Academy graduated senior)
- Emma-Kate Salin (Blue Valley Southwest graduated senior, past finalist)
